[tabi] all the notes for using TeamTalk, in one email

From: "Chip Orange" <Corange@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 17:19:22 -0500

Hi all,
below are some notes on how to download, install, and setup TeamTalk. I
hope it will encourage people to give it another thought, so we can all
get together for various purposes and actually talk; not 2 or 3 on a
phone call, but all of us as a group, when we're interested in a
particular topic:
* download TeamTalk for Windows; since they have versions for other
operating systems, that's why I provided the direct download link, to
avoid getting the wrong version. it's on the line below:
http://bearware.compytech.net/TeamTalk_v4.0_Setup.exe
<http://bearware.compytech.net/TeamTalk_v4.0_Setup.exe>
* run the install, and when it comes to which of the 4 components you
want to install (you can only choose one), you want the one which says
"client" and "accessibility" in it's description. there are actually 4
different programs in that one setup, which could be installed.
* connect your headset with a microphone, or go ahead if you know you
have a built-in microphone and use it, but wear headphones when using
TeamTalk.
* if you have a USB headset, then understand a little of how it works,
and maybe even test it out before using TeamTalk, so if there's trouble,
you'll know where to look.
A USB headset is actually another sound card, and it often doesn't show
up as a choice except when it's plugged in. it's not your default sound
card, and so nothing will use it when you plug it in. You have a lot of
choices as to how to configure a USB headset, but I'd recommend going
into the control panel, going into the "sound" option, and making it the
default playback device, and the default recording device. This way,
when you unplug it, Windows will automatically switch to something else
(your built-in sound card), and the next time you plug it back in, being
the "default" will cause windows to switch over to automatically using
it.
If you have the kind of headset with two plugs, you need to find the
correct jacks on your pc for headphones and microphone input (not line
input). then, when you want to use it, you just plug it in.
* so, if you think things are ok with your headset, run TeamTalk. the
first time it throws you into the configuration dialog automatically.
you only need to enter your nickname. (I just use my full name). in
here also, are checkboxes for whether you want to trigger your
microphone by talking (voice activation), or by holding down a key on
the keyboard (often the control key is used). this is called "push to
talk".
if this is what you want, check it, and tab to the next control, the
"setup" button for
this key combination. they suggest using the control key, so press enter
on
this button. TeamTalk then is waiting for you to hold and release the
key
combination you want to use. push and release the control key. (it makes
a good choice).
I use voice activation myself, and if that's what you want, you have to
tab over and find it's checkbox and check it. you can easily change
this on the fly.
In this configuration dialog is also a different tab for the sound
system settings. leaving these settings at their defaults usually
works, but of note is that there's a "test" button in this dialog, and
when you click it it allows you to talk, and you will hear your own
voice echoed back in a few seconds. it allows you to keep working with
your microphone until things sound about right. if you hear nothing,
then you know there's a problem. there's now a "stop" button available,
and clicking on it stops the test mode.
if you click on "ok" when you're ready, you'll be in TeamTalk's main
window. you can go back into the configuration at any time by pressing
F4. many of the items you could set in there however are now available
to you in a menu named "me".
You are now in the main TeamTalk window. it has a list of channels, a
place where text messages for the current channel are shown, and an
editbox where you can type in a text message and press enter.
the list of channels on the current server is the only control you're
likely to need; you go up and down it until you find a channel you want,
and press control J to join that channel. you press control L to leave
the channel. as soon as you join, you can start talking, and you should
hear the others talking; or, you will be asked for a password if it's a
passworded channel. Don't forget if you set things up so your mike is
"voice activated", they can then hear you, and anything you might say
outloud!
All of these channels are on a single server; there are many servers to
choose from, and you can run your own. servers have different policies
and rules of operation, that's why you may want to change.
TeamTalk comes with some pre-defined servers in it's list; you can get
to them by pressing F3. you can go up and down the list, and tab over
twice to the connect button, and connect to different servers this way.
when you do, you'll be put back into the main TeamTalk window, and you
will automatically be joined to the "root" channel of that server.
think of it as the "foyer" to the server.
some of them allow you to create your own channels for your own use, and
some don't; in those, you can only use the channels which are already
defined; their names often indicate the kind of topic being discussed
there.
I have created and mailed out a file, named the TABI.tt file, which
will, when you click on it or run it like a command, start TeamTalk, go
to a pre-chosen server which allows us to create a channel, and it will
automatically join you to the TABI channel (assuming there is one at the
moment). I expect to announce a get-together at a certain time, and
just have everyone be able to "run" the tabi.tt file, or click on it in
windows explorer, to join the conference.
anyone can create the TABI channel on this server, and announce their
own get-togethers at any time. when the last person leaves however, the
TABI channel is deleted. it does not have a password.
There are more advanced options you can look into: you can control the
volume independantly for each user in a conference, so if someone is too
loud or too soft you can adjust them for your hearing; you can have
TeamTalk simulate their placement in a room, so they appear to sound
like they're in front, or to one side, etc. you can put files in the
shared file space, when you want everyone to be able to receive
something easily, without having to email it to everyone there on the
conference. you can record the conference and make a podcast file for
others to listen to. you can send private text messages to users in the
conference to pass a private message to them.
I hope these notes help everyone get started on TeamTalk.
Chip